Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows your quick bread to bake evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, and lightly flour it to ensure easy removal of the bread once baked. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy lifting.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. Make sure the butter is not too hot, as it can cook the eggs.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Mix Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix; it’s okay if a few flour streaks remain.
- Add Sprinkles: Gently fold in the ¾ cup of rainbow sprinkles until evenly distributed. This step adds a festive touch and makes the bread visually appealing.
Step 5: Bake the Quick Bread
- Pour into the Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle additional rainbow sprinkles on top for extra holiday cheer.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the bread during the last few minutes of baking; if the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 6: Cool the Bread
- Cool in the Pan: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
- Remove and Cool Completely: Carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
Step 8: Drizzle and Serve
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before sprinkling additional rainbow sprinkles on top for a festive finish.
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice the bread into generous pieces and serve. This quick bread is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a sweet addition to your holiday dessert table.
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Funfetti Quick Bread
- Storage: Store the quick bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this quick bread.
Conclusion
This Christmas Funfetti Quick Bread is not only a visual treat but also a delightful way to embrace the festive spirit. With its soft, moist texture and bursts of colorful sprinkles, it’s bound to be a favorite at your holiday gatherings. So gather your loved ones, bake up a batch, and share the joy of the season with every delicious slice. Happy holidays and happy baking!